Understanding the Difference Between Neurotoxins and Fillers
In aesthetic medicine, there are lots of treatment options designed to enhance and rejuvenate your appearance. Two of the most popular options are neurotoxins and dermal fillers. While both can help you achieve a more youthful look, they serve distinct purposes and work in different ways. At Aiken Medical Aesthetics, we want to provide clients with education so they can make informed decisions about their aesthetic treatments. Today, we’ll discuss the differences between neurotoxins and fillers, highlighting their roles and how they can help you achieve your desired results.
Neurotoxins: The Wrinkle Relaxers
Neurotoxins are often thought of as wrinkle relaxers. They are injectable treatments that target dynamic wrinkles—the lines and wrinkles that form from facial expressions like smiling or frowning. Neurotoxins work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to these muscles, preventing them from contracting. This leads to a temporary relaxation of the muscles, which ultimately leads to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.
Here are some key points to consider regarding neurotoxins
The most well-known neurotoxins are Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. These products contain botulinum toxin type A as their active ingredient. Neurotoxins are used to treat dynamic wrinkles in areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and the outer corners of the eyes. They can also be used to address other concerns, like excessive sweating.
The effects of neurotoxin treatments are usually noticeable within a few days, although the full effects may take as long as two weeks to appear. These results can last for months, typically around three to six months, after which follow-up treatments are used to maintain results.
The popularity of these injections is in part because they are relatively quick treatments, typically taking only 10-15 minutes, making them a convenient option for those of us with busy schedules. Patients also like that there is minimal downtime. Some people may experience minor bruising or swelling at the injection sites, but these side effects are generally temporary.
Dermal Fillers: The Volume Restorers
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume and fullness to specific areas of the face. Unlike neurotoxins that target muscle movement, dermal fillers work by “filling in” wrinkles, lines, and hollow areas, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance. They can also be used to enhance facial contours, restore lost volume, and rejuvenate the skin.
Here are some key points to consider regarding dermal fillers
Dermal fillers come in various formulations, with each designed to address specific concerns. Common types include hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers, and poly-L-lactic acid fillers. Dermal fillers can address a wide range of concerns, including adding volume to the lips, filling smile lines and marionette lines, and enhancing cheek contours.
One of the best features of dermal fillers is that results are typically immediate, with clients noticing a visible improvement in the treated areas right after the injections. The duration of results varies depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s metabolism, but they often last from several months to up to two years.
Another great feature about dermal fillers is that they offer so much customization. Providers are able to fully tailor the treatment to your specific goals. They can be used to achieve subtle, natural-looking results or more dramatic enhancements, depending on your preferences.
Dermal fillers also require minimal downtime. Of course, each patient is different, and some may experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites, but these side effects are temporary and can be easily concealed with makeup.
Key Differences Between Neurotoxins and Dermal Fillers
The fundamental difference lies in how they work. Neurotoxins target muscle contractions, temporarily relaxing facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dermal fillers add volume to the skin, filling in lines and wrinkles and restoring lost volume.
Neurotoxins are best suited to treat dynamic wrinkles that result from muscle movement, such as crow’s feet and frown lines. Dermal fillers are more effective for static wrinkles. (A key way to identify static wrinkles is that they are still visible when the face is relaxed.) Fillers are also great for adding volume to hollow areas.
Neurotoxins are primarily used in the upper part of the face to address forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face, including the lips, cheeks, and lower face.
Neurotoxin results typically last for several months, while dermal filler results can last from several months to up to two years, depending on the type of filler used. In many cases, neurotoxins and dermal fillers can complement each other.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Selecting the appropriate treatment—neurotoxin, dermal filler, or a combination—depends on your goals. At Aiken Medical Aesthetics, our experienced team is dedicated to providing a personalized treatment plan to assess your unique needs.
There are a few factors to consider if you’re considering these treatments. You’ll want to identify the specific concerns you want to address. If your primary concern is dynamic wrinkles, neurotoxins may be the best choice. If you want to add volume or address static wrinkles, dermal fillers may be more suitable.
It’s important to communicate your goals with your provider. Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancements or more dramatic results, your provider can tailor the treatment accordingly. In some cases, a combination of neurotoxins and dermal fillers may be the ideal approach to achieve your goals.
Last, it’s always important to consider your budget and the duration of results. Neurotoxin treatments typically require more frequent maintenance than dermal fillers, which may impact your long-term budget. Discuss your goals and your budget with your provider, and they can help you create a custom treatment plan to best suit your needs.
In Closing
Neurotoxins and dermal fillers are valuable tools for medical and aesthetic reasons, each offering distinct benefits for addressing various concerns related to aging and skin quality. At Aiken Medical Aesthetics, we prioritize patient education and personalized treatment plans to help you make informed decisions about your aesthetic journey. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today!
